This breast that still should yield its nurture to him,

Fly with my infant to some happier shore,

If he be safe, Euphrasia dies content.

Till that sad close of all, the task be mine

To tend a father with delighted care,[Pg 13]

[Pg 13]

To smooth the pillow of declining age,

See him sink gradual into mere decay,

On the last verge of life watch ev'ry look,

Explore each fond unutterable wish,

Catch his last breath, and close his eyes in peace.

Mel. I would not add to my afflictions; yet

My heart misgives; Evander's fatal period——

Eup. Still is far off; the gods have sent relief,

And once again I shall behold him king.

Mel. Alas! those glitt'ring hopes but lend a ray

To gild the clouds, that hover o'er your head,

Soon to rain sorrow down, and plunge you deeper

In black despair.

Eup. The spirit-stirring virtue,

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